HUNDREDS of railway conductors could go on strike over rotas and staffing shortages.

If it goes ahead commuters could face major disruption to journeys across Hampshire, London, Sussex, Surrey and Kent.

The RMT union say there is insufficient staff at Southern Railway and the firm has failed to deal with rostering issues.

Now they are preparing to ballot nearly 400 conductors on industrial action.

The ballot will ask workers to vote for strike action and action short of a strike from next week until December 15.

Southern Railway, which operates one of the main routes between Southampton and London said it was making "every effort" to resolve this issue and "avoid unnecessary disruption."

A spokesman said: "We have been talking to the union about its aspirations regarding terms and conditions, and have made some suggestions about how these might be achieved.

"Unfortunately, the RMT believes we should meet their demands in full.

"We are making every effort to resolve this issue with the RMT to avoid the unnecessary disruption it would cause our passengers should the ballot lead to industrial action."

Mick Cash, general secretary of RMT said: "This is a vital and lucrative franchise where commuters pay thousands of pounds a year to travel on services that are chronically under-staffed and RMT members have had enough of it.

"We will be explaining to the travelling public, who are also the victims of this corner-cutting policy, why we are being forced down this road and we will be asking them to assist us in putting pressure on the company."